Honors Speaker Urges Students To Live A Life Of Service

Honors Speaker Urges Students to Live a Life of Service

Buffalo, New York – March 8, 2012 – Wayne H. Redekop, attorney, member of the D'Youville Board of Trustees and former Mayor of Fort Erie, addressed students, parents, friends and faculty at the 53rd Annual Honors Convocation on March 7, 2012 at Kleinhans Music Hall.

Directing his remarks to the students, he said education is a means to an end, an enabler a leveler and a key to success that enriches an individual's life. "It is a hallmark of democracy, for without an informed and educated population there can be no responsible, representative government."

Mr. Redekop said D'Youville students are expected to contribute to the world community and to follow in the footsteps of Saint Marguerite d'Youville by leading "compassionate, productive and responsible lives." He told the audience her life of service is a model for all.

"Our education often defines what we are…but there is much more to life than what we do for a living," he said. "It is our commitment to others that define who we are."

The trustee said there is no excuse not to volunteer in organizations that help others and that there is nothing more satisfying.

"When we weigh the challenges or the suffering of others in need against our own good fortune, how can we do other than seek to help?"

He quoted Robert Kennedy, a personal favorite of his, a number of times stressing personal public service.

Mr. Redekop concluded, "What you are has now largely been determined. Who you will become is in your hands. Use your education to live a life of service to others. You will find it to be rewarding and fulfilling."